HONG KONG.- Tokyo Chuo Hong Kong’s 3rd Anniversary Sales held on 27 & 28 November 2016 at the Four Seasons Hong Kong achieved fantastic results, realizing a total of over HK$305 million/ US$39.61 million, establishing a record high sales total for Tokyo Chuo Hong Kong. On offer were 508 lots of rare Chinese works of art, paintings and tea wares, including collections from two esteemed private museums in Japan, the Bansui Museum in Kansai and the Chinese Ceramics Museum in Kyushu. Strong prices were achieved across all categories with many lots soaring above their pre-sale high estimates. Of note was the 100%-sold ‘white glove’ sale featuring 24 lots from the Chinese Ceramics Museum in Kyushu, offered without reserve.

In a packed saleroom, bidding was fiercely competitive for Buddhist Monastery by Streams and Mountains by Ju Ran (Northern Song dynasty) in the Fine Chinese Classical Paintings and Calligraphy sale. It achieved a staggering HK$34,720,000/ US$4,509,091, over nine times its pre-sale high estimate, after a bidding battle between collectors on the telephone and in the saleroom. This breathtaking work was fresh to the market and the spectacular price achieved caused a sensation among collectors.

Formerly in the collection of renowned Japanese collector, Kikuchi Seido, this long landscape scroll is an imposing work, depicting spectacular mountain ranges, monasteries, waterfalls and rivers in a natural and graceful manner. The stunning composition, skilfully painted with different shades of ink and brushstrokes, shows Ju Ran’s great artistic talent.

Another highlight in the sale was Grinding an Iron Pestle into a Needle by Qiu Ying (c. 1482-1559) which fetched HK$31,360,000/ US$4,072,727 after spirited bidding, again well above the pre-sale high estimate. The figures are rendered with powerful, carefree brushwork, which is rarely seen in Qiu’s works.

Also notable was Chamber in the Bamboo Grove by an anonymous artist (Yuan to Ming dynasty) which realized HK$6,440,000/ US$836,364.

Exceptional paintings offered in the “Resplendence — Fine Chinese Modern Paintings and Calligraphy from the Bansui Museum Collection” sale performed extremely well. The star lot was Landscape by Li Keran (1907-1989) which realized an astounding HK$31,920,000/ US$4,145,455 after active bidding. Using forceful brush strokes in different shades of ink and colours, the artist brilliantly depicts the towering mountains and cascading waterfalls in this monumental work. Li Keran was a pioneer of 20th century Chinese art who developed a unique style based on the emulation of ancient and contemporary masters, also integrating elements of Western art in his work, and this painting is a prime example.

In the Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art sale, a hexagonal yellow-ground blue and white ‘lotus’ vase, Yongzheng six-character mark and period (1723-1735) achieved a strong price of HK$8,970,000/ US$1,164,935. Formerly in the collection of John Sparks Ltd, London, the vase features nine bands of clearly distinguished patterns that decorate the exterior, including lotus scrolls and waves. The hearts of the lotus flowers are replaced by longevity motifs, signifying endless blessings and lasting prosperity.

A further highlight was an Imperial white jade ‘lotus’ tripod censer with ring handles and cover, Qianlong six-character mark and period (1736-1795), which sold for HK$6,440,000/ US$836,364, far exceeding its pre-sale high estimate.

There was highly competitive bidding throughout the sale of “Majestic Treasures — Imperial Works of Art from the Bansui Museum Collection”, demonstrating that rare works with impeccable provenance and which are fresh to the market are in great market demand. The top lot was a blue and white vase with lotus scrolls and auspicious designs, Qianlong six-character mark and period (1736-1795), that sold for HK$6,900,000/ US$896,104. This exceptional vase is believed to have been specially produced to celebrate Emperor Qianlong’s birthday by the prestigious Imperial kilns of Jingdezhen.

A yellow-ground famille-rose stupa with lotus scroll design, Qianlong period (1736-1795) fetched HK$5,175,000/ US$672,078. The unusual design of this elegant stupa in Tibetan style is unique to the Qianlong period and marks the epitome of porcelain wares during the Emperor’s reign.

Of great interest was a set of four Imperial jade ‘Puning Temple Stele’ plaques, Qianlong period (1736-1795) which sold for HK$4,657,500/ US$604,870 after active bidding, well ahead of pre-sale expectations.

The 24 works from Chinese Ceramics Museum Collection in Kyushu attracted keen bidding, driving the prices of many lots far above their pre-sale estimates. The highlight was a blue and red ‘peaches and bats’ vase Yongzheng period (1723-1735), that sold for HK$1,265,000/ US$164,286.

Highlights of the Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Tea Ceremony sale included a fine set of Kyara agarwood pieces that fetched HK$2,185,000/ US$283,766 and a gold and silver-decorated red copper and iron teapot and cover by Myochin Soushun that sold for HK$1,610,000/ US$209,091.

Leading the Fine Scholar’s Objects sale was a set of four albums of the Rubbings of the Inkstones from the Shenshi Yanlin which realized HK$885,000/ US$114,935.

To celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Tokyo Chuo Hong Kong, “Kagami Biraki’, a traditional Japanese celebration ceremony at which a sake barrel is broken open, was held during the preview on 26 November. The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Ando Shokei, Founder of Tokyo Chuo Auction; Dr. Jimmy Chiang, Associate Director-General of InvestHK; Dr. Eddy Li Sau Hung, BBS, JP, President of Hong Kong Economic & Trade Association; Mr. Frank Chan, Chairman of Min Chiu Society, Mr. Robert Chang, renowned art collector and other distinguished guests.